There may be a safety net for the children of Bollywood families. But, sometimes, that net tears and a few of them fall through. Here's a look at some of them...
There may be a safety net for the children of Bollywood families, but sometimes that net tears and a few of them fall through. Here's a look at some of the star kids, who failed to make a mark in Bollywood...
Last year saw the painful debut of producer Vashu Bhagnani's son Jackky. Sadder still was the this young lad lost over 60 kilos and became a lean, mean and unfortunately not a money making machine.
But never fear, when there is daddy dear, who is producing yet another F.A.L.T.U film for his golden boy.
Esha Deol: Being Hema Malini and Dharmendra's daughter, it was a matter of time before Esha entered the film industry. She debuted in Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche and won an award for the Best Female Debut. Soon after, with flops like Na Tum Jaano Na Hum, Kya Dil Ne Kaha and Kucch To Hai, critics desperately craved a makeover. Esha then returned, completely revamped in Dhoom where she posed as a sultry siren in a revealing gold swimsuit. But alas, even the skin show didn't have the desired effect as her movie career kept declining with Cash, Money Hai Toh Honey Hai, One Two Three and Hijack.
Mimoh: Mithun Chakraborty is a legend; his son Mahakshay (aka Mimoh) however is not. With his long blonde(ish) tresses, hulk of a body and dancing ability, Mimoh couldn't take off from his father's shadow. Although papa Mithun launched him with much fanfare in Raj Sippy's Jimmy that had the catch phrase 'crime is a disease, meet it's cure', it failed to cure Mimoh's lack of success.
Riya Sen: Daughter of Moon Moon Sen and granddaughter of Suchitra Sen, Riya has always been a part of the limelight. Her first big break on television came with the success of Falguni Pathak's song Yaad Piya Ki Aane Lagi. Her movie career began with the excessively criticised movie Style, though a great commercial success. It was soon followed up with the success of Jhankaar Beats. Unluckily for Riya, a number of her movies were unfinished whilst others were cameos and item numbers, leading to a very unsuccessful career unlike that of her sister Raima.
Harman Baweja: Often confused with Hrithik Roshan and more so known as Priyanka Chopra's ex, Harman Baweja made his unsuccessful entry into the spotlight with Love Story 2050. Soon followed with another love story opposite Priyanka, What's your Rashee?, Harman failed to win the hearts of his audience. Son of director Harry Baweja, Harman has now inserted an ‘S' as a middle initial with hopes to give him luck in his future endeavors.
Tanisha Mukherjee: With great-grandmother - Rattan Bai, grandmother - Shobhna, aunt - Nutan, mother - Tanuja and of course her elder sister - Kajol, Tanisha had to deal with a lot of expectations. But, Tanisha even with her skimpy clothing in Neal and Nikki, failed to make her mark in the industry. Her debut in Sssshhh… opposite Dino Morea and Simone Singh again failed to deliver. Tanisha's role in Sarkar and Sarkar Raj was practically negligible, given the star power of the Bachchans overshadowing her. Popcorn Khao! Mast Ho Jao and Tango Charlie were her other attempts in the industry to failed to impress.
Fardeen Khan: Debuting in his father Feroz Khan's project Prem Aggan, Fardeen won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. But somewhere down the line with Jungle, Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya, Om Jai Jagdish and Janasheen, the actor suddenly spiraled off his pedestal. Adding fuel to the fire, were reports of his arrest for drug possession, his trials, and soon the ‘star' became a supporting actor with comic roles in No Entry, Pyaare Mohan, Just Married, Heyy Babyy and Dulha Mil Gaya.
Zayed Khan: Following in brother Fardeen's footprints, Zayed Khan was gift wrapped for the Indian audience in Chura Liya Hai Tumne, with his ‘dishy' looks and lean body. He peaked in his career when he next starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the box-office hit Main Hoon Na. His next performance, in the much-awaited movie Dus was also well-received by the masses. It was thereafter that his career began to take a massive beating with mediocre movies like Rocky: The Rebel, Fight Club: Members Only, Yuvvraj and Blue. He may have co-starred with the crème-de-la crème of Bollywood but that doesn't mean he is a part of it.
Pooja Bedi: The local hottie with long legs, Pooja Bedi is the daughter of Kabir Bedi and classical danseuse Protima Bedi. She flopped as an actress with Lootere and Aatank Hi Aatank. She is remembered for the controversial Kamasutra advertisement during her campaign for AIDS awareness. Her current USP is that of a celebrity participant in shows such as Jhalak Dikhla Ja.
Uday Chopra: Son of the extremely successful filmmaker Yash Chopra, Uday did his father proud by winning the Best Male Debut Award for Mohabbatein. Subsequently, his acting in mediocre movies like Mere Yaar Ki Shaadi Hai, Charas, Supari and Neal and Nikki, didn't do much for his image. It was with DhoomPyaar Impossible was a declared flop.
Soha Ali Khan: Daughter of the stunning beauty Sharmila Tagore, Soha made her debut in 2004 with Yeh Dil Maange More opposite Shahid Kapoor, Ayesha Takia and Raima Sen. Her role as the girl next door was quite well received by the masses. Soha went on to do Pyaar Mein Twist and Shaadi No.1 after which she received her breakthrough role in Rang De Basanti. The role of Sonia in RDB even won her an award for Best Supporting Actress. Unfortunately, with the string of flops that followed like Khoya Khoya Chaand, Dil Kabaddi and Tum Mile – Soha just couldn't match up to the glory of her brother Saif and mother Sharmila.
Bobby Deol: The ever so cute Badal in Barsaat, Dharmendra's youngest son looked to be the next big star. Bobby's role in his next movie, Gupt: The Hidden Truth was considered to be his breakthrough performance. He even teamed-up with Aishwarya Rai in Aur Pyaar Ho Gaya. Bobby has acted in many hits like Soldier, Bichhoo, Ajnabee, Humraaz and 23rd March 1931: Shaheed, but was never considered to have the star power that his brother, Sunny, or his father possessed.
Even with Yamla Pagla Deewana, the spotlight was more on daddy and bhaiya.
Rinke Khanna: After sister Twinkle's successful entry into the industry, it was Rinke's turn to follow suit. Her foray into showbiz, with Pyaar Mein Kabhi Kabhi, was a semi-hit, but her character Khushi was lukewarmly received. Her biggest hit to date is Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai in which she played a supporting role. This was followed by a string of unsuccessful films that failed to do well at the box office like Yeh Hai Jalwa, Mango Souffle and Pran Jaye Par Shaan Na Jaye.
Rajiv Kapoor: The youngest son of the Late Raj Kapoor, Rajiv is perhaps the least known member of the Kapoor khandaan. Noted for his role opposite Mandakini in Ram Teri Ganga Maili, his career as an actor was brief. He began his career with Ek Jaan Hai Hum and ended with the role of an inspector in Zimmedaar. He has even tried his hand at direction with Prem Granth and even produced Aa Ab Laut Chalen with Aishwarya Rai and Akshaye Khanna.
Pratibha Sinha: Mala Sinha was the epitome of beauty in the Indian film industry, her daughter Pratibha made her first appearance on-screen in the eternal love story of Heer-Ranjha in Mehboob Mere Mehboob. Unlike her mother, Pratibha was soon pushed towards the sidelines with the item number Pardesi Pardesi in Raja Hindustani being her claim to fame. Her other not so hot movies include Tu Chor Mein Sipahi, Gudgudee and Deewana Mastana.
Karan Kapoor: Literally, the Golden Boy of the Raj Kapoor parivaar, Karan possessed father Shashi Kapoor's looks and mother Jennifer's complexion. Karan is till date best known for his dreamy poster boy campaign for Bombay Dyeing. His first mainstream movie was Sultanat and later he did Loha.
Juhi Babbar: Juhi Babbar's lineage is that of prominent movie star Raj Babbar and actress Nadia. She made her debut in Kash Aap Humare Hote opposite singer Sonu Nigam, the movie failed to do well at the box-office. Her only other attempt in Bollywood, has been in a silent movie with Mohanlal. She is popular in Punjab, where she acted in a few movies.
Javed Jaffrey: Bol Baby Bol, rock and roll… and his role Vicky in Meri Jung featured the greatness of what Javed Jaffrey could have been. Born to the comedian Jagdeep, the movie was the perfect pedestal, for the young actor to prove himself. But somehow, even after acting in a number of movies, Javed Jaffrey's career failed to give him the recognition he deserved and fell into the B-grade category. 7 Saal Baad, 100 Days, Oh Darling! Yeh Hai India, Roadside Romeo, Daddy Cool and several movies in between, led him to be typecast as a comedian.
Akanksha Malhotra: The granddaughter of Prem Nath and Bina Rai, Akanksha Malhotra came, she saw and she was cast out of Bollywood. Her first movie was Le Chal Apne Sang and then she was seen in Narayana Rao Dasari's Chinna. She acted opposite Rahul Bhatt in Yeh Mohabbat Hai where she played the role of Shaheen. Akanksha was also seen in a small role in J.P.Dutta's film LOC: Kargil, Garv: Pride and Honor, Aisa Kyun Hota Hai? and Is Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon where she was seen opposite John Abraham.
Lucky Ali: With father Mehmood, Lucky Ali was destined to make his foray into movies. The first real role came in Shyam Benegal's Trikaal, where he played a doctor in this national award-winning movie, but then he disappeared into oblivion. His comeback wasn't with a movie but with a music album Sunoh that teased the senses with his dreamy light eyes and a sweet melodious voice. In 2002, Lucky Ali got another chance to prove himself, alongside the star-studded cast of Kaante, and delivered an amazing performance. However, with his next endeavor, a lead in Sur – The Melody of Life, he failed to make his name. He is more appreciated as a playback singer.
Kumar Gaurav: The tall and fair child of the Late actor Rajendra Kumar, with his good looks and his father's legacy was given many opportunities to rise to greatness. Rajendra Kumar produced the blockbuster Love Story with Kumar Gaurav in the lead. Though Teri Kasam, opposite the beautiful Poonam Dhillon, was a mild success, he soon received rave reviews for his performance in Mahesh Bhatt's Janam (still considered to be his best performance). Despite the success of Naam, Kumar Gaurav's career declined as all of his subsequent films failed to do well at the box office. His rebirth came with his exemplary performance in Kaante but soon the euphoria dwindled and he was again pushed into the shadows.
Sanjay Kapoor: His brothers Boney and Anil are both big names in the industry, therefore big things were expected out of Sanjay too. Though his first movie Prem didn't do well, it was his next movie Raja opposite Madhuri Dixit that was a super-hit and marked his arrival. Sanjay has had his share of highs and lows in the industry. But with a handful of movies to his name, where most were less than mediocre, it is only with the special appearances in Kal Ho Na Ho and cameo roles in Luck By Chance that keeps him in the minds of movie-goers.
Faisal Khan: However lucky Aamir Khan is considered to be, his brother Faisal was the complete opposite. His first movie as the lead hero was Madhosh produced by father Tahir Hussain flopped at the box-office. In its aftermath, he made comeback acting alongside brother Aamir in Mela, which also flopped. Life in Bollywood for Faisal fizzled out completely when he began to make B-grade movies.
Puru Raj Kumar: Raj Kumar's son Puru, even used his father's name in an attempt to be more like him – unfortunately, nothing could be further away from the truth. Puru Rajkumar's first movie, Bal Brahmachari, bombed at the box-office that, almost 15 years later, he barely has a handful of movies to his name. His other attempts in Bollywood include a negative role in Humara Dil Apke Paas Hai and a cameo in Mission Kashmir.
Shadaab Khan: Son of Amjad Khan, Shadaab started his career with the opportunity to play the role of a scumbag cast opposite Rani Mukherjee in Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. Rani's career soared up to soon be one of the top actors in tinseltown, but poor Shadaab drifted into the black hole of the forgettables. His very short list of roles comprises of Betaabi, Refugee and even includes that of a tailor in Kamal Hassan's critically acclaimed Hey Ram.
Kunal Goswami: A reel patriotic hero, Manoj Kumar's son Kunal Goswami may look like his father, but the talent never showed. Two of his films, Ghungroo and Kalakar, didn't do any wonders to his acting career and the movie posters were enough to drive the crowds away. He did a few other films such as Aakhri Baazi, Paap Ki Kamee, Numbri Aadmi, Vishkanya and Jai Hind, which also flopped.
Suneil Anand: Anand Aur Anand sketches the relationship of Dev Anand and his son Suneil Anand on the silver screen. The end of the movie shows Suneil tied to a tree with a drunken elephant charging towards him. With this movie the Anands' were asking for it. After this disaster, there were a few more – namely – Car Thief, Main Tere Liye and Master.
Arya Bubbar: From one Babbar to the next – Arya Babbar, the brother of Juhi Babbar, has also made his highly unsuccessful entry into the film industry. His first, Ab Ke Baras with Amrita Rao crashed at the box office and so did his second Mudda: The Issue. Arya unluckily, has followed in the footsteps of his sister,Juhi, rather than his parents. The only hit in his career was Guru, where he was barely noticeable as Aishwarya's brother).
Rahul Khanna: Rahul Khanna, son of Vinod Khanna is the protagonist of a tragic story of a hero who has everything going for him but still failed in the industry. With his boyish good looks, lopsided smile, he won a fan following almost instantly. His role in Deepa Mehta's critically acclaimed film 1947 Earth, won him accolades from one and all. His first commercial film Bollywood Hollywood was a global hit but then came the continuous barrage of inconsequential movies like Elaan, Raqeeb, Dil Kabaddi. Even the brief role as the debonair editor in Wake Up Sid couldn't take him to the top.
Kunal Kapoor: Known as Shashi Kapoor's son who came and bombed in Bollywood, Kunal's string of movies includes Ahista Ahista, Junoon, Vijeta, Utsav and Trikaal. Ahista Ahista, where he starred opposite Padmini Kolhapure was a box-office hit but it failed in making a career of this young Kapoor.
Rohan Kapoor: Rohan Kapoor is the son of singer Mahinder Kapoor. He tried his hand as an actor and didn't receive any recognition for it. He acted in four Hindi movies – Faasle, Love 86 (with Govinda and Neelam), Imaandaar, Mera Naseeb – and then wisely, ended his career as an actor.
